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Upcoming
15 Sep 2026
12:30 pm - 01:30 pm

Les Midis d’Europa Expérience #5 – EU-China: Partners or Systemic Rivals? with Sacha Courtial

Les Midis d’Europa Expérience #5: EU-China: Partners or Systemic Rivals?

 

*This event will be held in French 

Date: 15 September 2026, 12:30–13:30 (registration required)

Place: Europa Expérience, 28 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris



Background:

Relations between the European Union and China are entering a phase of profound redefinition. Long centred on economic exchanges, the relationship is now increasingly shaped by sensitive geopolitical, industrial and technological issues.

Against a backdrop of growing trade tensions, European dependencies in certain strategic sectors, and concerns over economic security, several European countries are seeking to rebalance their relations with Beijing. China remains an indispensable trading partner, but is also increasingly perceived as a systemic competitor in key areas such as technology, energy and infrastructure.


Key Questions:

  • Can Europe reduce its economic dependencies on China without entering into a trade war?
  • How can the EU reconcile economic sovereignty, industrial competitiveness and trade openness, particularly in its relations with China?
  • Can the European Union speak with one voice towards Beijing in an increasingly tense geopolitical context?

Speaker(s):

Sacha Courtial is an Associate Research Fellow at the Jacques Delors Institute and a specialist in EU-China relations. He coordinates the Institute’s EU-China Working Group, bringing together European experts to analyse economic and political relations between the EU and China and provide strategic recommendations to European policymakers. Sacha Courtial is also Chief of Staff to Pascal Lamy and Co-President of Volt France.

What are ‘Les Midis d’Europa Expérience’?

Once a month, on a Tuesday, Europa Experience, in cooperation with the Jacques Delors Institute, hosts a series of lunchtime talks featuring leading experts discussing current European and international affairs. Designed primarily for students aged 16 and above, these free events take place from 12:30 to 13:30. Light refreshments are provided.